You Asked About

Replacing Water Supplies

Question: How long is it safe to keep bottled water? I'm updating my earthquake preparedness supplies and wonder how often the water should be replaced.

Answer: According to Sandy Oliver of Arrowhead Drinking Water, the one-gallon plastic bottles of water should be rotated every six months. This is a safety precaution because the containers are biodegradable and can develop stress cracks if not stored under optimum conditions. The water inside is good indefinitely.

Q: I've noticed several recipes that mention white chocolate. Where is it available?

Q: Would you please tell me where I can purchase Acini de Pepe. It is like tapioca and is used for fruit salads.

A: You've completely stumped us, but perhaps another reader will know where it is available. Anybody have a suggestion?

Q: Some time ago I clipped a recipe on making pineapple guava chutney. I found the recipe super and easy, but I can't recall whether I peeled the guavas or not. Can you enlighten me?

A: "Sunset Fresh Produce--A to Z" (Lane Publishing: 1987, $6.95) states: "The thick, waxy skin is too tart to eat fresh, but it can be used in pickles or preserves."

So to answer your question, the pineapple guavas used for the chutney may be used either peeled or unpeeled. Incidentally, we repeat information from the Nov. 12 You Asked About . . . column in which we explained that the pineapple guava is not actually a member of the guava family, but a feijoa.

And for those who missed the Pineapple Guava Chutney recipe in Nov. 1983, here it is again: